(CNN) - Scott McClellan, the former White House press secretary who sharply criticized President Bush in his memoir last spring, told CNN Thursday he's voting for Barack Obama.

"From the very beginning I have said I am going to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done and I will be voting for Barack Obama and clapping," McClellan told new CNN Host D.L. Hughley

McClellan, a onetime Bush loyalist whose scathing critique of the president sent shock waves across Washington last spring, has long hinted he was leaning toward the Illinois senator.

"It's a message that is very similar to the one that Gov. Bush ran on in 2000," McClellan said in May about Obama's campaign.

McClellan isn't the first member of Bush's inner circle to express support for Obama. In 2007, former Bush strategist Matt Dowd also said he had become disillusioned with the president and said Obama was the only candidate that appealed to him.

The full interview will air on D.L. Hugley's new show, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. Hughley is also a guest of Larry King Live Friday at 9 p.m. ET.

soundoff(201 Responses)

I am so mad about Palin using part of the $150,000 dollars that americans gaver her to buy a $4,000 Louis Vutton purse for her sever year old. How can anyone allow her to hold public office.

October 23, 2008 06:16 pm at 6:16 pm |

JC

OMG.....will wonders never cease?

October 23, 2008 06:16 pm at 6:16 pm |

Jorge -- SF_CA

First Powell, now McClellan!

Soon, Cheney will say he's wisened up too, and he'll join us as well. He's the only one I'd say "Stay on your side" to.

October 23, 2008 06:17 pm at 6:17 pm |

Winnie Hussein . . . in Montana

See, just because the current president is of sub-par intelligence doesn't mean he didn't surround himself with smart folks! Yeah, Scott, we welcome you with open arms.

October 23, 2008 06:17 pm at 6:17 pm |

Georgia Peach

Thank you for voting for Obama-Biden, you will be on the winning team! We need Republicans who won't "Party" vote, but instead make a wise decision! Because McCain and Palin are getting scarier every day!
OBAMA-BIDEN

October 23, 2008 06:17 pm at 6:17 pm |

Former republican white man from california for Obama

one more down I hope all the rest of us true conservatives not radical right wing conservatives support Sen Obama

October 23, 2008 06:18 pm at 6:18 pm |

What's going on?

Why is he slipping in the polls? He should be holding steady double digits by now?

October 23, 2008 06:19 pm at 6:19 pm |

No McSame

Come on republicans – time to jump off the freak train & vote Obama! Do what's right for America.

October 23, 2008 06:19 pm at 6:19 pm |

Obama Fan

Good, come on over Mr. McClellan it feels so good to be on the winning team. Go Obama.

October 23, 2008 06:19 pm at 6:19 pm |

Charles Jameson

Welcome to the New Center Coalition, Scott. Glad to have you.

October 23, 2008 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |

Holly

Yay Scott! It's too bad you didn't see the light sooner, but you went through hell... so we'll let it slide. Welcome back from the dark side.

October 23, 2008 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |

bill

What does this tell you???

October 23, 2008 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |

ANAG LOS ANGELES, CA

No surprise here.

October 23, 2008 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |

Voter

Considering how McCain has caved into the GOP's campaign strategy and has yet to come up with a solid campaign strategy, I don't think he'll have much of a chance changing Washington.

October 23, 2008 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |

boered1

RATS
SINKING SHIPS

Need I say more?

Well other than this
Welcome back from the dark side
we will accept you, even if we do not truly trust you yet.

October 23, 2008 06:21 pm at 6:21 pm |

Frank from Peterborough

I can't understand how Obama isn't 20 points in the lead with almost all long time Republicans supporting him and stating the Republican party has lost it's focus and roots to the extremists and kooks.

I really fear for the future of America if McCain/Palin ever got elected as you just might never recover.

October 23, 2008 06:21 pm at 6:21 pm |

RO

Another, GOPer sees the light – let's all unite and say no to the politics of division and fear.

October 23, 2008 06:21 pm at 6:21 pm |

Alicia

Hahaha. How sad is it that a lot of the republicans don't like their own candidate? Yay for us!

Obama 08!

October 23, 2008 06:21 pm at 6:21 pm |

Adrian L.

These guys are looking for a job. What is wrong with this?

October 23, 2008 06:22 pm at 6:22 pm |

GI

At least McClellan has some integrity.

October 23, 2008 06:22 pm at 6:22 pm |

Rose

Who cares what this bum thinks, he can't even think for himself and made a fool of himself recently. It just shows what a traitor he really is.

October 23, 2008 06:22 pm at 6:22 pm |

Susan

Thank you Sir.

Can you please put some senses in peudo-conservatives?

I hear that they are spreading rumors on talk-shows that the african-americans are planning riot if Obama looses.

ALL PLEASE VOTE.
PLEASE.

October 23, 2008 06:22 pm at 6:22 pm |

Biff

That's it...McLellan is gonna have to go into hiding....

that's GOTTA hurt.....!

October 23, 2008 06:22 pm at 6:22 pm |

Chut Pata

Rats leaving the sinking ship.

October 23, 2008 06:22 pm at 6:22 pm |

American Joe-Former Republican

I'm tired of this Rep or Dem thing, we are all Americans, we should vote for someone who is going to make America a better place for all of us. Obama 08